Aerith flitted between the clothing racks, fingers skimming over outfits and dress fluttering as she circled them. She stopped when silk slid against her thumb and looked down to see a violet gown. Tugging it out, she spread the piece over her torso and examined the color against her complexion, then turned to Cloud who stood by the shelves in the back of the boutique. He was fidgeting, eyes darting around like he didn't know where to look until she waved and he noticed her.

"What about this one?" She pulled the gown out a little further.

His eyes scanned over the dress and his mouth twisted into a thoughtful frown. "It's nice," he said without enthusiasm.

"Cloud," she pouted. "You can tell me if it doesn't look good on me."

"It's not that." He looked away as the beginnings of a blush colored his cheeks. "I just think blue looks better on her- On girls!" He hastily corrected.

"Oh." Aerith's eyes glinted and she dropped the gown to clasp her hands over her chest, smiling wide. "Why didn't you tell me you have a girlfriend?"

"Girlfriend?!" Cloud recoiled. "Where'd that come from?!"

"It sounds like you have a specific dress in mind." Her smile sharpened. "Worn by a specific girl."

Cloud rubbed the back of his head, bashful. "Well, yes, this girl from my hometown was wearin-"

"Ooh, it's a childhood sweetheart!" Aerith gushed and his eyes grew impossibly large.

"No, Tifa isn't-" He noticed the mischievous sparkle in the flower girl's eyes and suddenly slumped, defeated. "Forget I said anything." He despaired, knowing it was futile.

Aerith giggled. "Sorry," she said completely unapologetic, and he sighed.

"So," she turned to the clothing rack. "What type of dress was this Tifa wearing?" She ran her hand down a shiny, royal blue gown and tugged it out by its short sleeve. "Was it like this?"

Cloud, still a bit red, shook his head. "No, it wasn't so extravagant."

Aerith let the sleeve drop and moved on to a peach pink sundress. "It must have been very pretty if you remember it so well." She checked the dress' price tag.

"Actually," Cloud inclined his head towards the ceiling, eyes glazing over as the memory filled his brain. "It wasn't the dress." Aerith froze while his voice ebbed into a gentle whisper. "It's what she said and my promise to her." He smiled, fond and wistful, while the ceiling morphed into a dark blue sky. Stars swirled into twinkling clusters of light and blended into the blue like the paint strokes of an artist impassioned. "Everything about that night, the way she looked, the sound of her voice, is with me always."

His ice blue eyes warmed into a pastel hue, and Aerith hesitated, but soon asked, "Do you think Zack would take a promise as seriously as you have?"

Cloud swiveled around, surprised she needed to ask. "Of course, Zack cares a lot about his SOLDIER honor." He smiled softly. "And he cares a lot about you, so he'd definitely honor any promise he made to you."

Aerith hummed, turning to a glittery red dress that fanned out at the bottom, though she stared straight through it. "So if I asked him to stay-" She sighed, head bowing. "No, I...I couldn't take that away from him. He loves his job."

Cloud watched her expression crumple, sympathy tugging down his lips before he walked over and set his hand on her shoulder. "There are other things you could ask him." He bit his cheek. "Like, um, maybe make him promise he'll always come back to you."

Her eyes watered and his heart ached as she wiped away a lone tear rolling down her cheek. "That's not enough. You saw the vision." Cloud tensed as the phantom sensation of rain pelted his face and his own scream echoed in his head.

"Even if Zack wants to come back, he might end up in a situation where he can't return to me." She wilted, tone hollow.

Cloud shoved his own worries aside and squeezed her shoulder. "Then maybe you should give him a reason to accept safer assignments, stay closer to Midgar. A First like him doesn't have to accept every mission tossed his way, so if he really wanted to, he could only accept assignments around Midgar."

"Really?" Aerith cocked her head, interest lighting up her features. "So if you were a First, what could your girlfriend do to keep you close?"

Cloud blushed for the fourth time today and hated his pale skin for making his embarrassment so evident. "Um, I guess I couldn't leave if..." He stared at Aerith for a moment and imagined her hair darker, worn long and loose. Soon Tifa's wine red eyes bored into his while her glossy lips murmured a plea for him to stay.

He blurted the one thing on his mind. "I'd marry her."

Aerith blinked twice, eyes doubling in size, and it took him a second to realize why. He gasped, face hot as an oven, and wanted to hit himself for suggesting something so insane.

However, before he could correct himself, Aerith's expression turned thoughtful. "That could work."

"What?!" Cloud's jaw hit the floor.

Aerith paid him no mind as she tapped the corner of her lips. "There's a jewelry shop a couple sectors over. The shop owner likes my mom, so maybe he'd give me a discount."

"Are you serious?" Cloud got in her face, unable to control his incredulity because wasn't this going too far? Marriage was a serious commitment, at least it was in Nibelheim. Divorce was practically unheard of there and was certainly frowned upon, which was why marriage typically bound people together for life. Zack and Aerith may care for each other now, but was it really the type of love that could last decades into the future?

"I know," she said as if reading his mind. "I've never given marriage much thought to be honest, and when I did, I always pictured myself older." Her face grew grim. "But I don't think we have time for 'older', I don't think Zack has much time left." She stood tall while her hands balled at her sides, and he was silenced by her sheer force of will.

Then just as suddenly her face smoothed out and she grinned. "But that's only an idea." She turned back to the red dress and pulled it out over her body. "And whatever I chose to do, wearing a pretty dress couldn't hurt, right?" She winked and he didn't know what to make of her. Serious one second, teasing the next, and each emotion as genuine as the former. Yesterday, he thought it a girl thing. Today he sat beside Zack on a couch in the Shinra Building hallway, gobsmacked expression frozen on the First's face, and realized how wrong he was.

His PHS chimed and he wasn't surprised to see Aerith sent: Is he okay? Has he woken up?

He quickly replied: Yes, he woke up a few minutes ago.

Cloud didn't mention how Zack awakened wondering how he fainted, and upon being reminded of the proposal, entered his current stupor. Mute, unblinking, still as a statue and white as a sheet, Zack was anything but okay.

I think you broke him. Was what he wanted to send, however, Aerith had looked so worried when Zack staggered back. She looked so small and sad as General Sephiroth and him carried her unconscious boyfriend inside, believing he would recuperate better on a couch opposed to the hardwood floor of the caravan.

Cloud felt guilty as well for having given Aerith the idea and he was about to type an apology when a whiff of fire and ash tickled his nose. He looked up from his phone expecting to see smoke only to find General Sephiroth eyeing him from the opposing wall that he was leaning against. Cloud regretted leaving his helmet in the caravan as those catlike eyes locked onto his and he ducked swiftly, hoping his hero would look away.

Sephiroth was his idol and he couldn't bear the thought of actually interacting with the man. If he did he would make a fool of himself and the general would always remember him as that weird infantryman who stuttered too much. Simply imagining this made Cloud's legs tremble and his heart gallop, which meant the scenario actually playing out would probably kill him.

"How did I miss this?"

The harsh exhale made Cloud and Sephiroth turn to Zack as he grasped the sides of his head like he was going to tear his hair out. Cloud bit his lip, uncertain the First even wanted a response, and strangely enough Sephiroth seemed equally indecisive.

The general stood up from the wall and leveled a steely-eyed look upon Zack, but for a second his brow wrinkled like he was either confused or concerned. The sight was one Cloud doubted he was ever meant to see. It didn't lessen his hero in his eyes like it might do to some, but for a moment Sephiroth looked human and that was wrong. Humans were imperfect, made mistakes, and Sephiroth was perfect in every way, always.

"All those signs..." Zack muttered quieter than Cloud ever heard him while his hands shook, mussing his raven hair and giving him a disheveled appearance. "Why did I ignore them?" His eyes dimmed like the light switch behind them was flicked off and once his hands fell to his sides, the First simply looked lost.

Cloud hadn't expected this. The surprise and speechlessness, sure, but Zack being so at war with himself threw him for a loop. Maybe that was why he asked, "Don't you love her?"

The question hit the air like thunder cracked across the sky and he regretted it when Zack's wild-eyed gaze swung his way.

"Yes!" Zack sprung to his feet so fast he blurred and Cloud shrunk, but the First merely began pacing back and forth in front of him. "But marriage-" He choked and abruptly dropped onto the couch, the force jostling Cloud somewhat. "Oh, Gaia." He groaned, back to clawing at his hair until his spikes stuck up so haphazardly they resembled his former hair style.

"I didn't know we were this serious. She never said anything." He slumped forward and his face fell in his hands. Cloud bit his tongue to keep from apologizing because it was his fault, his idea putting his friend through such turmoil. "I mean it's a huge step and I...I don't think I'm ready." He sounded ashamed like he wanted to be ready, but found himself lacking.

"Perhaps we are not the ones you should be telling this to."

Cloud inwardly hyperventilated as Sephiroth indirectly referenced him because how many people could say the great general even knew they existed?

Zack's low groan made him flick a worried look to his friend as the First said, "I can't do that, Seph." Zack raised his head, clearly distraught. "She'll take it the wrong way and cry and I've never even seen her cry, but I just know it'd be awful."

Cloud had seen her cry and it was very awful, but he also seen Aerith be brave and strong. If she did cry over Zack's words, it wouldn't be from hurt feelings, it would be from the grief of knowing she failed to save Zack. If Cloud didn't say something, he too would be grieving his friend's death soon and that was not an option.

"You should tell her." Cloud forced out, lowering his gaze when Zack's wide, moist eyes landed on him. "If she feels the same way about you that you feel about her, she wants to hear what you have to say." His voice trembled as he sensed Sephiroth staring and the stench of smoke tickled his nose again, yet he pressed on. "Even if it's not the answer she wants, if she loves you," he looked up and steeled himself when he saw Zack hanging off his every word. "She will respect your wishes."

He didn't dare breathe as the metaphorical spotlight fell on him, a position he never enjoyed being in, yet he wasn't going to let Zack die or leave Aerith miserable. They were just about his only friends in this world and he would do his best to support them like they had supported him.

Zack was still staring at him, awe along with an indecipherable emotion etched into his face, and Cloud wondered if he was shocked by his words or simply thought him an idiot. It wasn't like Cloud was an expert on romantic entanglements. He simply said what sounded right based on what he seen of Aerith and his own personal principals.

Zack shoved his face into his hands and Cloud worried he only upset him more until his shoulders shook and soft chuckles rumbled out of him. Cloud was confused, then bristled as he understood Zack was laughing at him. It hurt because he'd only been trying to help.

"I can't believe I've been such an idiot." Cloud's anger was swapped for confusion as Zack lifted his hands away and sent him a small, but luminous grin. "You're right, both of you." The First glanced at Sephiroth and the general nodded while Zack stood. "No matter what, everything's going to turn out fine." He nodded to himself, but Cloud frowned at his phrasing. It was vague enough he wasn't sure whether to congratulate Zack on the upcoming marriage or message Aerith about the failed attempt.

Zack turned to Sephiroth. "I know it's a priority mission, but I need a couple more hours in Midgar. That okay?"

The general didn't react for a second, but then a smirk curved his lips. "Return here by midnight. Arrive any later and it goes on your permanent record." His tone was severe, but from the way Zack beamed Cloud figured it was an inside joke.

Wow, would he too have such amazing companionship with the great Sephiroth once he made SOLDIER?

Cloud buried the thought, worried the general would notice his starstruck expression until Zack, usual bounce in his step, bent over to ruffle his hair. "Thanks, Spiky. I really needed that reminder."

Normally Cloud would brush him off, especially since Sephiroth was watching Zack treat him like a little kid and it was embarrassing, but there was something fragile in Zack's tone, as if he truly felt indebted to him. Therefore Cloud endured, even as his nose wrinkled in displeasure, though maybe that was from the faint scent of smoke in the air.


The drive home was a silent and somber affair. Neither Turk nor flower girl uttered a word as they exited the vehicle. Aerith didn't even spare him a glance as they walked to the train station, Tseng right on her heels. They sat on opposite sides of the train car, stared out their respective windows, and only once they arrived in the slums did they gravitate towards each other.

Still it was quiet, only the light scuffle of shoes behind her proving she had company, until she halted in the middle of the playground and said, "I'm sorry."

Not wanting to give him a chance to seize control of the conversation or leave room for misunderstandings, she added. "I'm sorry I deceived you. I didn't want to mislead you."

She wrung her hands and hoped he believed her sincerity although she admitted to earlier deceit. If he didn't, this conversation would be much more difficult than it needed to be and there may never be trust between them again. Even if she deserved it, her heart would crack knowing Tseng would never trust her again. They weren't friends, but she known him longer than she known most and while there was always a bit of friction between her and the Turks, there were some things she trusted him with implicitly. Their relationship and the mutual respect between them were valuable to her, and imagining them gone grieved her.

"I really did want to buy a dress." Her voice was fraught with sorrow. "But once I went shopping I found myself buying a little something more." She smiled, though it was a shallow thing.

"So you decided to buy a wedding band to make it official." Tseng's voice was flatter than usual, but without seeing his face she couldn't discern his true feelings. "What prompted this endeavor?"

Aerith wondered if Tseng knew exactly why she proposed to Zack and was testing her honesty or he was genuinely uncertain.

Assuming he only saw her purchase the ring and overheard some of the conversation in the boutique, she held her hands back and said, "A friend of mines reminded me how dangerous the SOLDIER lifestyle is...how dangerous it is for Zack. It's silly, but that got me thinking my time with him might be shorter than I thought and I don't want to end up with regrets." She looked over her shoulder, eyes misty. Tseng turned aside, lips a line though his stance was casual. She couldn't tell what he was thinking, never could really, but she had a knack for discerning emotions, which was why it worried her she couldn't read his now.

"Did this friend mention a particular location that poses a danger for SOLDIERs?"

Aerith shrugged, turning frontwards. "Some place called Nibelheim. They said it would be very dangerous for someone like Zack to go there."

"Did they specify what type of danger awaits him there?"

"No," she exhaled and massaged her temples in frustration. "That's why I needed someone to tell me about Nibelheim. I thought together we could uncover the threat, but Cloud couldn't figure it out either."

Tseng hummed, sounding closer. "Nibelheim would not have a mako reactor if the town contained a threat capable of destroying the reactor. Shinra prefers not to waste money on unprofitable ventures."

A breeze blew past and feeling the night chill, Aerith rubbed her arms. "Some threats can't be seen until it's too late."

"Even so," Tseng said close enough for her to be warmed by his body heat. "There are precautions that can be taken to avoid any danger."

She scowled, recognizing the light chastisement for what it was. Tone pleasant, but words heavy enough to send a message, she asked, "If I requested your help would you have given it no questions asked?" It was meant to be snippy, but her desperation eclipsed all traces of vexation. "And even with your help will it make a difference?" Her head bowed, shadowing her broken expression. "What if we're all fated to live and die one way? Even knowing how it ends, can one really defy destiny?" Her teeth clacked together and a couple of tears trickled down her face.

Thoughts of fate and destiny had plagued her ever since the Planet's second message. She told herself Zack could be saved yet in her heart believed his death inevitable. It was the reason she was more scared than ever, the reason her paranoia flared up so often these days.

Zack's death felt so tangible it was as if it already happened. Seeing him smile, hearing his laugh, and being held in his arms, all felt like a novelty. It was like she was trapped in a beautiful dream yet a part of her knew she could wake up any second.

Maybe she was wrong, and her doubts merely stemmed from the Planet's urgent tone and witnessing that dreadful vision... But if so, why was she acting like this?

Determined to make Zack happy and keep him close to the extent of even proposing marriage. Aerith wasn't acting like someone who had faith everything would be okay. She was acting like a terrified young woman who loved a young man very deeply, but knew their love was doomed to end in tragedy. No marriage, no growing old together, no future for them.

"Aerith."

She wiped away her tears and leaned sideways until her shoulder touched Tseng's arm. "I'm sorry." She didn't know what she was apologizing for, there was simply nothing else to say.

"Don't be." Tseng's face was blank as ever, but his fingers brushed against hers as he moved away. "And don't worry. I will take care of things."

Aerith's watery smile went unnoticed as Tseng began walking away. "I know you will," she wanted to tell him, yet in reality said, "I know you'll try."

Tseng was too far off to hear as he descended into the darkness of night.


Aerith went home to let her mother know she was alive and well. Her mom fussed over her while she reheated dinner until Aerith explained she been with Zack and the older woman calmed.

"Just remember to call next time. You know I worry, dear."

She sighed while Aerith sat at the dinner table, reheated spaghetti on a plate before her and fork in hand. "You don't have to worry about it happening again anytime soon. Zack is leaving tonight and won't be back for a while."

"Ah." Her mother's lips stretched into a wistful smile. "I remember what it was like having my husband leave for such long stretches of time. He only got leave up to a week, but we always made the most of our time together too."

Aerith nearly dropped her fork, reheated pasta suddenly as appealing as a can of worms. Her mom's husband had been a soldier like Zack and Aerith sensed his death like her future self sensed Zack's death. The parallels between she and her mom were never so stark till now, but the elder Gainsborough remained oblivious as Aerith choked down half of the slimy noodles prior to claiming she was full. Then she hurried upstairs, changed into her new red dress as well as gathered a few items, and waited for soft snores to leave her mother's bedroom before sneaking out the house.

Opening the church doors with a flashlight in hand, as it was fairly dark in this area at night, she was surprised by the faintly glowing object in front of the flowerbed. Flicking off her now useless flashlight as she stepped inside, she frowned at the small lamp sitting in the middle of the aisle and started upon spotting a slouched figure in the pew beside it. She had expected Zack to come, but certainly not so soon.

Aerith tentatively walked up to him, but was shocked to find Cloud was the slumbering individual. Head tilted to the side like he was looking back at the door when he nodded off, his neck would get sore if she left him like this, which was why she didn't feel bad shaking his shoulder until bleary, blue eyes opened.

"Huh, Aerith?" Cloud slurred, sitting up and scrubbing his face very much like a young child whose nap was interrupted.

She grinned and took a seat beside him, setting her flashlight aside. "Were you waiting for me? You could have just called and I'd have come earlier."

Cloud, appearing much more alert, shook his head and she noticed yellow petals peeking out his scarf with the motion. No doubt they belonged to the lily she given him yesterday and it warmed her heart to see he truly valued her gift.

"I know, but I thought you might have gone to bed and didn't want to wake you." His voice hushed as his gaze fell to the floor. "And I, uh, wanted to see you."

Aerith giggled. "Oh, Cloud, are you trying to make your girlfriend jealous?"

He blinked. "What? No, she's not- You know what I meant." He groused, crossing his arms while she laughed behind her hand.

"I'm sorry." Her laughter tampered off, and her lips drew to a line as she peered ahead into the darkness. "It's because you and Zack are still going to Nibelheim, right?"

Cloud nodded, arms dropping and hands arching atop his knees. "We leave at midnight, and I don't think there's anything we can do to stop Zack from going." His throat constricted as he whispered. "I'm scared." His mouth snapped close like he hadn't meant to say that and didn't want to risk exposing more of himself.

Aerith's lips curved down as the boy hunched his shoulders, balling himself up to make for a smaller target, and it saddened her to witness such self-defense instinct. Something told her Cloud was used to fending for himself, to getting into fights he couldn't win, and maybe this self-defense technique developed prior to him joining Shinra.

The poor boy wasn't used to having people he could rely on. However, Aerith was his friend now so she reached over and took his hands in hers. She held them until they relaxed and lied flat in her palms, then raised one arm and curled it around his neck. He didn't struggle as she brought his head down to her shoulder and said, "It's okay. I'm scared too, but together we can save Zack."

He made a noise between a sob and a whimper so she tightened her hold and shushed him. "The Planet wouldn't have contacted us if it didn't think we were capable of saving him, so don't worry, okay?" Cloud trembled beneath her arm and she ran her fingers through his hair until he stilled.

Pulling back, she pretended not to notice he was blinking away tears as he whispered. "Thank you."

She beamed. "Anytime," she said before remembering the objects she brought, her pencil and journal, and swiftly set them on her lap. Cloud squinted at the items so she scooted closer to him until the lamp illuminated them.

"I recorded all the information the Planet sent us in this journal. I was hoping we could go over some things before you left."

"Oh!" Cloud smacked his forehead. "I forgot to tell you what I learned about the Shinra Mansion."

"That's alright." She flipped through a couple of pages and stopped on a sheet labeled Nibelheim. "That was one of the things I planned to talk about anyway." She poised her pencil over it and said, "Go on."

Cloud sighed. "It's not much. Just learned there aren't any records that talk about what Shinra was using it for. Someone suggested that's because Shinra is covering up something big there, but I think it's a false lead. Shinra hasn't used the mansion for years and I doubt they would abandon it for so long if something important was there."

Aerith studied him for a moment before asking, "Could you check when you get there?"

His eyebrows shot up. "You mean investigate the Shinra Mansion in person?" Her head bobbed and Cloud ran a hand through his bangs. "I guess, if I find the time I can take a look around."

"Great." Aerith clapped her hands. "You can message me the results."

Cloud winced. "I can try, but Nibelheim doesn't have the best reception so I'm not sure I'll be able to reach you."

Her heart clenched and knuckles turned white around the notebook. She banked on being able to contact Zack and Cloud during their mission, confident she could stay in the loop via PHS and guide them to safety if things went south. Without that avenue of communication, Aerith would be in the dark until they returned and if anything went wrong she wouldn't know till it was too late.

Something must have shown on her face because Cloud quickly assured. "But I'll try to call you every day and you can do the same. Together I'm sure we'll catch each other eventually." She couldn't muster a verbal agreement, so simply nodded. "Now what else did you want to discuss?"

"The Turks were getting suspicious of us." Cloud's eyes widened so she hurried on. "But I've convinced them Zack was threatened and an attempt on his life will occur at Nibelheim." At least Tseng seemed to believe that if she read the overtones of their earlier conversation correctly. "I'm not sure what they'll do about it, but I think this will help your mission run smoother."

Cloud looked surprised, yet soon was glowering at the floor. "But will it be enough to save Zack? We don't even know what's going to kill him." His hands curled into fists.

"That's exactly why we need to figure it out now." The fight went out of him at her fierce declaration while she flipped to a page titled Theories. "I think we should go through this by analyzing everything the Planet told us in the order it was sent, so let's start with the Planet's first message."

"The one that told you Zack was going to die?"

She grimaced. "Yes, that one was pretty straight-forward so I don't think there is anything to analyze there." She waited for Cloud to agree then said, "Moving on to the second message, I'm not exactly sure what to make of it."

"It doesn't have to be him." Cloud repeated, turning up to stare at the ceiling. "I think the Planet is saying there could be a trade. Like Zack doesn't have to die, but we have to give it something in return if he doesn't." He looked down and bit his lip like he expected her to call him stupid, yet Aerith hummed in agreement.

"Yes, I got that feeling too." She jotted down their idea on the page. "But what could the Planet want from us?"

"Maybe his life for..." A horrified look came over Cloud. "Another life?"

She gasped, hands jumping over her heart. "Someone has to die in Zack's place?"

Cloud cringed, quickly waving his hands. "Not that we'd purposely sacrifice someone!" His tone was laced with disgust. "We're not even sure that's what the Planet wants, and if it is we don't know the specifics. It might only accept a certain person's life or maybe anybody's would do."

Aerith sighed in relief, lowering her hands. "Okay, I guess there isn't much we can do with this message either, but I'm sure it will make sense soon."

She ignored the voice in her head screaming that time was running out, soon Zack would die and any insight about the second message would be meaningless then. "Let's discuss the third one."

Cloud looked weary. "We've kinda already discussed this, and I'm not sure what else we can talk about. I can't think of anything back home powerful enough to hurt Zack, especially when General Sephiroth will be with us." He ignored the putrid stench of blood and ash that suddenly assaulted his nose.

"What if we're looking at this from the wrong angle?" Aerith tapped her pencil against the page while she brainstormed. "Maybe it's not what is at Nibelheim, but something foreign coming to Nibelheim that will become a threat."

Cloud's brow furrowed. "That makes sense, but also opens a lot of possibilities. Anything could show up that we aren't expecting." He sighed and leaned forward to rub the back of his neck. "Another dead end, huh?"

"Not necessarily." She jotted down a few of the points they brought up while Cloud observed her curiously. "We might not be able to talk while you're at Nibelheim and there's no way Shinra will let me travel with you, but you'll be there." Her face hardened and he sat up. "You can investigate the Shinra Mansion, and whether you find anything or not, you will be on your guard." Her eyes turned downcast as she begged. "Please watch over Zack for me."

Cloud stared at her solemnly. "I will."

Aerith smiled, about to say more when they both heard the distinct clatter of boots coming up the church steps. "Zack," she gasped while Cloud paled and they both shot to their feet.

"Here." She shoved the flashlight as well as her notebook into his hands and pointed towards the back of the church. "Take the staircase back there and you can exit from the roof."

Cloud's eyes leapt from the back to her. "We still need to discus-"

"I'll message you later!" She whisper-shouted, pushing him towards the garden right as the door creaked open. Cloud stumbled, but quickly regained his footing and launched himself behind a pillar as the SOLDIER stepped in.

Aerith forced herself to relax, keeping her hands linked in front while footsteps clomped down the aisle. It would be lying to say she wasn't nervous when those boots halted half a foot behind her, yet she remained silent. However, Zack did the same and she wondered if he was deciding the best way to reject her proposal. Considering his earlier response was to faint, she was under no illusion her proposal would actually be accepted. Rather Zack was debating how to let her down gently, maybe wondering how to deal with her tears. Or was he expecting her to shout? Was he bracing for both?

A light hand descended on her hip and gingerly pinched the dress' sparkly fabric. "Hm, is the light playing tricks on my eyes? 'Cause this doesn't look pink to me." Zack chuckled and Aerith lit up, worries flying away.

"No," she giggled. "But I only promised to wear pink when we meet up for dates so unless you have a romantic evening planned..." She noticed a blond spike poking out behind the pillar and rushed to conceal Cloud's hiding spot by spreading her arms out and performing a spin. Her ruby dress flared out in the orange glow of the lamp and the colors merged until it seemed Aerith twirled among flames while her dress glitter sparkled like fireflies caught in the wind.

She stopped once Cloud, ducked low, successfully scurried towards the back, and grinned toothily at Zack's awed expression. "Not pink, but still pretty, right?"

"Yeah," Zack stammered, drinking in the sight of her slender shoulders, the bodice hugging her every curve and the ruby heels slimming her feet.

"Beautiful." His face melted into a dazed smile and he moved to embrace her, only to freeze and drop his arms. She frowned as his expression turned mournful.

"Aerith, I have to tell y-"

She seized his hand and nodded towards the door. "Let's go above plate. There's a place I want to show you." She darted around the lamp and when he didn't budge, gave him a tug. Zack's mouth opened like he was going to protest, but her eyes implored him and well, he had over an hour before he needed to report to HQ so humoring her couldn't hurt.

He sighed. "Okay."

She sent him a reassuring grin, then led him up the aisle and out the door.

They stepped out side-by-side, however, Aerith tottered on the last step so he took the lead since his enhanced eyesight was faring better than hers in the poorly lit area. Then they took to the streets in silence, walking past a row of houses, all of them devoid of occupants and thus shedding no light on their path, though Aerith didn't mind. She didn't want Zack to notice her pensive frown nor the fear growing on her face.

It was time for the truth. Her heritage was going to be revealed to him one way or another, she had always known, for as much as she liked to pretend otherwise Shinra wasn't going to leave her be forever and it would be best if it came from her. She doubted Zack would be pleased to learn of it after Shinra captured her. If he did, it could drive a wedge between him and the Company. She had wanted to run this by Cloud before Zack came in because ever since she saw that vision, she knew it was her fault Zack died.

There was no solid evidence, but upon reviewing the vision in her head, she recognized the armor and weapons scattered across the cliffside. She had seen that equipment worn by infantrymen and SOLDIERs patrolling Midgar, which led her to believe by the time of the vision Shinra fought and lost a battle...against Zack.

There was nobody left except him and Cloud on that cliff. No transports or medics waiting to help those injured in battle, but rather it seemed they had been abandoned, left to die. It was possible they were simply the last ones standing so no one else was around to help them, but Zack's dying words implied otherwise.

"For the both of us..."

Zack clearly stated his reasons for fighting to be for Cloud and himself, not for Shinra or the safety of Midgar as one would expect a soldier fighting in say the Wutai War would have said. No, Zack's reasons were personal. He fought and died for people he cared about and Aerith had a feeling she was one of those people.

Perhaps by the time of the vision Zack learned of her capture and put up a fight to get her back because while he was loyal to the company, his faith in Shinra been shaken ever since the day he showed up crying in the church and seeking her comfort. Therefore it was plausible if it came down to it, Zack would choose her over Shinra. His loyalty was as boundless and vibrant as his heart and she always felt safe by his side, so Aerith didn't doubt he would try to save her.

Still, she didn't know how Cloud factored into Zack's death unless he joined Zack in the battle against Shinra. There was also the question of how Nibelheim was involved, but she done all she could to comprehend its importance. That would have to be left up for Cloud to uncover during his visit to Nibelheim while all she could do now was find the courage to admit something she denied most of her life.

They stopped before the sector gate, and as it opened, Aerith took a deep breath and squeezed Zack's hand. He turned to her in silent inquiry and she said, "It's funny how history repeats itself." There was a tremor in her voice that the mechanical whir of the gate opening masked.

"Really," Zack cocked his head and led her through the gateway. "How so?"

Aerith smiled bitterly, eyes trained on the road ahead. "My mother fell in love with a Shinra employee too. Although my father was a scientist, not a SOLDIER."

Zack's breath hitched likely because Aerith never brought up her family except to say her mom expected her home in time for dinner every day, but he needed to have the full picture now. Not only to prevent him from getting himself killed once Shinra captured her, but to ensure he understood their time was limited.

Prior to receiving the Planet's first message, she known her relationship with Zack would become complicated the moment the Turks turned her in to Shinra. It was why she planned to bring up her ancestry once she was surer of herself, more confident the reveal wouldn't freak Zack out. Yet there was no more time to spare. Ready or not, for the sake of Zack and their future, she needed to face her fears.

"Their relationship kinda started the same too. My mom always thought scientists were scary, especially Shinra scientists, but once she got to know my dad, she realized he was not scary at all." She giggled and Zack's eyes widened as he recalled her initial fear of SOLDIERs.

He always figured the fear stemmed from the general distrust most slum dwellers had of Shinra. However, if her father was a Shinra scientist, it couldn't have been that. Surely he would have cultivated her trust in Shinra.

A flickering red letter on an electronic shop sign illuminated their faces as they traversed the marketplace and she noticed Zack's eyes narrowing. He seemed to be searching for the meaning in what she said, but soon his shoulders drooped as he failed to put it together.

"That is a weird coincidence," he said finally, a spark of curiosity in his tone.

"Not really." Aerith shrugged as they left behind the Market's radius of light. "My mother was an Ancient like me so it makes sense we both feared Shinra." She said like one discussing the weather and Zack froze.

Aerith stopped too, but refused to look at him, instead sculpting an expression of neutrality on her face while staring ahead at the darkness. The Market behind them along with the late hour meant not a single soul was around to disrupt the tension building around them. Though when it became clear he wasn't go to say anything she peeked at him from the corner of her eye.

Zack's face was stony, eyes on the ground and hand clenching and unclenching repeatedly. She angled her head to catch full sight of his expression, bracing for the hurt she might see since she technically lied to him as well as for the shock, maybe even horror, from learning what she truly was. Not a human like him, a hybrid, little more than a rare specimen according to Shinra... The last of her kind, left alone the moment her mother took her last breath.

Yet none of those emotions appeared on Zack's face. He wasn't horrified or angry, not even shocked, but looked...guilty.

"How long have you known?" Gone was her nonchalance as her entire world rocked and she tethered on the edge of oblivion because Zack knew. He knew for who knows how long and never once brought it up. She couldn't help but wonder why unless Shinra told him and he was aware of her ancestry since the day they met, maybe Shinra even sent Zack to her, to get close to her like some spy-

"Aerith." Zack caught her other hand and his sky blue eyes were dark with sorrow. Her paranoia dwindled to nothing because that emotion was too real and Zack had never hid anything from her, not even his SOLDIER status. For all he knew the day they met, him being SOLDIER could have ruined any chance of a relationship between them, but Zack told her anyway because he was no liar, and she hated herself for doubting him.

"I found out recently and it was an accident, I swear." He sounded desperate for her to believe him, grip tightening enough to be firm but never enough to hurt. If he wanted to he could crush her fingers so easily, but her Zack was always so gentle and benign, and she was a fool for thinking him a spy.

"Back when I was at Costa del Sol." He said in earnest. "I was frustrated about the forced vacation and there was a Turk there I was sure was spying on me, and she probably was then, but when I asked how the Turks knew about our relationship she explained how I wasn't the one they were spying on." His head dipped low. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry."

Aerith stared at him for a long moment. Then she burst into laughter loud enough for it to echo, though maybe the silence made it seem louder than it was.

Zack was stunned and concerned, but she quickly regained composure and asked, "You call that prying?"

Zack's eyes widened, but soon he grinned, delighted to see her taking it so well. "You're not mad?"

Aerith pretended to think it over. "No, I can't say I am since I planned to tell you myself anyway." Quietly she added. "The fact you haven't treated me any different since then is reassuring."

Zack's brow furrowed. "Wait, did you think I was going to-" She looked away, and he gasped. "Oh, Aerith," he grieved, pulling her in for an embrace and bundling her close. "It doesn't matter to me." His fingers gently threaded through her cinnamon hair and she closed her eyes while listening to his heartbeat. "I always knew you were special, and I adore that about you."

Tears stung her eyes as she clutched him, not quite certain this was real. Mom, both biological and adoptive, always told her she was special. They meant it in the kindest way, but all Aerith heard was different. They locked up her and her mom for years because they were different. The other kids wouldn't play with her because she was different. She was always being hunted because she was different. She was so sick and tired of being different, special, when she met Zack, but then he said, "Normal is overrated." She realized then Zack was different, he was special, and maybe being one of a kind wasn't so bad after all.

"I'm sorry I didn't trust you sooner." She whispered into his neck.

"No." Zack pulled back just enough for her to see his heartbroken expression. "You didn't have to tell me anything, I get it now." He looked away. "Shinra isn't everything I thought it was when I first joined, and I've learned the science department has done some nasty stuff."

She planted her face in his neck and half-hoped he couldn't hear her mutter. "They killed my parents." The tears broke free like a dam and the floodwaters rushed down her face while Zack inhaled sharply. "And I don't want the same to happen to you, okay?" Her voice was clogged by so much emotion she doubted he understood.

"H-how could they..." Zack trailed off while she struggled to control herself before she made a mess of his uniform.

With great effort she heaved a final sob and wiped her eyes. When she could see again Zack was staring at her with such sorrow as he asked, "Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm okay now." She turned aside, looking off into the distance. "We should go or we'll miss our train."

Zack didn't respond, but his hand fit into hers like two puzzle pieces linking together in perfect union and that was enough.


Zack turned to view himself from another angle in the small television screen, and his tongue stuck out a little as he concentrated on fixing a single strand of raven hair that just wouldn't stay down. Aerith's shoulders shook in quiet laughter, rubbing against his within the cramp photo booth, when he finally got the hair in place and exclaimed. "There! Now I'm close-up ready."

Still giggling, Aerith put a hand on her hip and asked, "You sure? The way you were going I thought you might need another hour."

Zack scoffed and lifted his pointer finger like a teacher correcting a belligerent student. "Now, Aerith, you know a SOLIDER always has to be aware of his image."

Aerith laughed harder, clutching her middle and gesturing at his head where the same four flowers from earlier stuck out his hair. "So flowers are a part of the SOLDIER image now?"

Zack pouted. "Well how else am I supposed to get on your level?"

"Simple." Aerith caressed his cheek. "Just be you."

His face softened and Aerith clicked the start button so the number ten appeared over their image on the small television screen and started counting down. They held their joined hands up between them and gazed into each other's eyes, faces close enough to kiss.

"Hey, Aerith." Zack didn't stop smiling but his tone was serious. "You don't have to worry about me dying." Her smile faltered before she forced it back up and the countdown fell to four. "Cause I'm going to be a hero and everyone knows the hero never dies."

She didn't have time to reply before a white flash encompassed her vision, but his words rekindled the embers in her heart and death's icy grasp seemed far off at least for the moment.

Though, all too soon they were entering the Shinra Building garage, Aerith still gushing over the palm-sized, colored photo in her hand. It wasn't grainy like she feared it might be, but captured the wet sheen shimmering over her emerald eyes, the bright humor in Zack's faintly glowing blue irises, and the tender hold they had on each other.

Zack stopped and Aerith looked up, only mildly surprised to see Tseng leaning against a sleek black car parked by the caravan, which she assumed would be her ride home. Between the two vehicles stood the silver-haired man she could now identify as General Sephiroth. His eyes flicked towards her and Aerith inwardly cringed, hackles raised and heart hammering. It wasn't the cold, inhuman look to his eyes, but something about the green flecks in them dredged up a primal fear within her.

"Zack." Cloud stuck his head out before the rest of his body followed as he greeted the First, eyes catching Aerith's for a second before zipping away.

"Hey, guys!" Zack called as the other two helmeted infantrymen hopped out the van, and her eyes latched onto the last one who stood as tall as Cloud but was actually a bit slimmer. Strange, she could have sworn both infantrymen were older than Cloud.

Zack left Aerith's side to stand in the middle of the misshapen circle everyone formed around him. "Sorry about the delay, I know it's late and we're all tired." He set his hands on his sides, eyes running over everybody and stopping on her.

She grew worried when his face went blank before he said, "I can't accept your proposal."

Aerith lips parted in shock while Cloud as well as the other infantrymen gasped. Tseng's face was neutral, but took on a hard edge and Sephiroth's eyes narrowed to slits.

"See," Zack sighed, turning away and rubbing the back of his head. "My mom's been hounding me to get married since I was sixteen and if she finds out you're the one who proposed she'd throw a fit."

She blinked sensing there was more to his speech.

"So Aerith Gainsborough," he faced her and his mouth curved into his most radiant smile as he held out his hand. "Will you marry me?"

A shockwave struck the room, electrifying her skin and stealing the air from her lungs, so Aerith did the only thing she could. The photo fluttered to the ground as she grabbed his face and smashed her lips against his for a passionate kiss. The infantrymen cheered and whistled, though Cloud simply blushed and looked away. Similarly Sephiroth and Tseng focused their attention elsewhere.

They broke apart for a second before Aerith dove in for another peck. Then she pulled back, her radiance equal to Zack's glowing expression as his eyes brimmed with over with so much love his smile illuminated the whole garage.

Tseng conspicuously cleared his throat and the couple suddenly remembered their audience as well as their purpose here. Zack's smile diminished, but the joy didn't leave him as he said, "I've gotta go."

Aerith nodded. "That's okay. This just means I get to pick whatever I want for the wedding without you."

Zack feigned an affronted look, but Aerith pulled out the tiny, velvet box and he blinked before breaking out into a grin. "Don't lose it, okay?"

Behind them Sephiroth directed the infantrymen to enter the caravan with only one going up to the driver seat.

Zack cradled the box in his hands and brought it close to his chest. Then they stared at each other, flower girl in her dress and SOLDIER in his uniform. "When I come back, we'll be matching." His hand moved to cover the top and she layered her hands over his.

"Don't be late." Aerith smiled.

He kissed her forehead. "I wouldn't dare."

Then his hands slipped from hers, the caravan closed over his image and drove away. Aerith watched it go farther and farther and kept watching long after it disappeared from sight until Tseng quietly came to her side and asked, "Ready to go?"

Aerith silently entered the passenger side and Tseng took the driver's. As he drove out into the highway she watched the sky through the tinted window and noted the lack of stars. It was cloudy out, dark puffs blackening the sky. The rain was coming down any minute.


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